In January 2014, ANDRITZ HYDRO received a contract from Vorarlberger Illwerke AG (a local Austrian utility) to supply two Francis turbines for the new Obervermuntwerk II pumped storage plant in the state of Vorarlberg, in western Austria.

Silvretta barrage for HPP Obervermuntwerk II

The underground power plant will provide peak energy to improve grid stability and integrate renewable energy (wind, solar, etc.) by providing additional capacity for energy storage. The hydropower plant will utilize water from existing storage capacity, which will be connected by new tunnels. Thus, no new water resources or substantial visible changes of the landscape will be needed.

The turbines at Obervermuntwerk II hydropower plant are a significant step in the development of highly efficient Francis turbines and the data gathered during design, model test, and site tests will be a valuable addition to ANDRITZ HYDRO’s extensive model library.

Celebrating finalization of the cavern entrance

The finalization of the overhaul program is scheduled for 2017 and will benefit the populations of Senegal, Mauritania and Mali for years to come.